JOHN JOSEPH PRIZZIA

Tuesday

Jul 9, 2013 at 2:00 AM

June 10, 1928 - July 6, 2013

Marlboro NY

John Joseph Prizzia, age 85, passed away July 6, 2013, in his Naples, FL residence. He was born June 10, 1928 in Marlboro, NY, the son of Joseph John and Mary (Vetrone) Prizzia. After graduating from Marlboro high school in 1946, he joined the service and was an Army paratrooper serving in Japan. He earned his parachute and glider wings with the n" Airborne Division in Fort Benning, GA.

In 1949, after his discharge from the service, he attended Columbia University in New York City and started his newspaper career with the Newburgh Bacon Evenings News (a Gannett Company). He served on the "pro team," working on the creation of the newspaper "USA Today." In 1985 he retired as publisher of the Newburgh Beacon News and soon became founder, owner, and publisher of his own publishing company, "the Unlimited Publishing Company" in Bullville, NY.

He was past president of the Marlboro-Milton Lions Club, president and fire commissioner of the Marlboro Hose Company, and past treasurer of the Marlboro School District. He also served on the board of St. Luke's Hospital in Newburgh. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Eastern Orange County Chamber of Commerce and the YMCA.

His passions were his family, newspapers, and golf. He was a longtime member of the Powelton Club of Newburgh in Balmville, NY and a charter member of the Marlboro Yacht Club.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, of 58 years (formerly Dorothy Kirkpatrick) of Washingtonville, NY, and two sons: John (Rosalba) of Kingston and Randy (Debra) of Newburgh; four grandchildren: Joseph, Sarah, Jeffrey, and Allison; two sisters: Martha Waye of Cornwall and Geraldine Mandia of North Carolina; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers: Charles (a Marine) and 1st. Lieutenant Thomas Prizzia, a pilot in World War II (MIA).

He will be remembered as a gentle, caring man with a great sense of humor.

Arrangements for a memorial service in New York will be announced at a later date.